Bulldogs' defense bracing for test from Rattlers' QB

South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough turned off the video of Florida A&M early Wednesday afternoon. Pough had seen all he needed to see of the Rattlers and especially quarterback Curtis Pulley.

Pough and the Bulldogs will become formally acquainted with Florida A&M and Pulley tonight when they take on the Rattlers at 6 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.

"They've got a good team, a real good team," Pough said. "It didn't take very long to look at them on film and see the kind of athletic talent they've got. They're pretty scary on film."

No player was more frightening than Pulley, a former Mr. Football in the state of Kentucky, who transferred to Florida A&M over the summer. Pulley originally signed with Kentucky after setting several state records at Hopkinsville High School, but he was kicked off the team after multiple arrests. He joined the Rattlers in August.

"You can see why every school in the SEC wanted to sign (Pulley)," Pough said. "He's a talent, there's no question about it. He's one of those dual-threat quarterbacks. He can beat you with his feet and his arm. He has a real presence about him when he's on the field."

In last week's 28-21 win over Tennessee State, Pulley ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns and completed 9 of 13 passes for 100 yards and another score.

"He just flat-out took over that game," Pough said. "Tennessee State has a pretty good defense and they couldn't do much with him. We've got our work cut out for us."

For the season, Pulley has rushed for 251 yards on just 25 attempts and completed 19 of 30 passes for 198 yards and two TDs.

Pulley isn't the only quarterback Pough and Bulldogs must be concerned with. Eddie Battle has split time with Pulley and has been equally effective. Last week, Battle was 12-of-14 passing for 110 yards.

"They each bring a little something different to their offense, but both are capable of making big plays," Pough said. "We've got to keep everything in front of us and keep both of their quarterbacks in the pocket. If they get outside of the pocket, they both are capable of creating a big play."

The Bulldogs are coming off a convincing 43-17 win over Winston-Salem State last Saturday.

Quarterback Malcolm Long had his best game to date as a Bulldog, completing 13 of 21 passes for 261 yards and two TDs. Running back William Ford rushed for 116 yards and a TD, while wide receiver Octavious Darby caught a 79-yard TD pass from Long.

"I think each game Malcolm gets a little bit better," Pough said. "Each game he gets a little more comfortable in the pocket. His understanding of the offense is getting better, so he's thinking less and reacting more, which is what we want."